If COVID-19 has brought us any positives, it would surely be the ingenious lengths local breweries have been going to in an attempt to reach cash-strapped, housebound craft beer drinkers throughout the various lockdowns.
This latest release from Cheeky Monkey – tongue-twistingly titled an East Coast New Zealand Hazy IPA – is the result of a social media-based competition where punters who purchased Cheeky Monkey wares went into the running to brew their own beer at Cheeky Monkey HQ.
The result, thanks in part to competition winner Mark McCarthy, is a fruit driven affair that predominantly showcases NZH107, an experimental hop from New Zealand that is rich in ripe fruit salad style flavours and aromas; mango, guava, lemon and orange all present, bolstered by a gentle sweetness. The uber light body and spritzy carbonation further enhances St Clair's drinkability, while the 37 IBUs and 5.4 percent ABV are both modest in comparison with the fruity hop flavour.
St Clair is yet another hazy conception from Cheeky Monkey that kicks goals. In this instance, it’s a particularly fruity interpretation reminiscent of Passiona that will likely induce nostalgic memories, while also satisfying a more adult thirst...
NB This release takes its name from a famous NZ surf break in Dunedin, given it's a sister beer to the Surf Break Series of ECIPAs that are inspired by breaks in the South West of WA.
Jono Outred
Published July 2, 2021 2021-07-02 00:00:00
